US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses optimism about the possibility of a truce in the Gaza war despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting Hamas's ceasefire counter-proposal. Blinken pledges to continue working towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken looked exhausted at his media conference in Israel this week as he tried to remain optimistic about prospects for a truce in the Gaza war. Despite Israel i Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comprehensively rejecting Hamas ’s ceasefire counter-proposal, Blinken said it “creates space for an agreement to be reached”. He pledged the US would continue to “work relentlessly” to achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Putting aside the fact the job description of senior diplomats requires them to remain upbeat in the face of negotiating setbacks, does Blinken’s shuttle diplomacy – he has visited the Middle East five times since Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel – have any chance of success? Where the negotiations stand Israel and the US presented a proposal to Hamas via Qatar about a week ag
US Secretary Of State Gaza War Truce Optimism Ceasefire Hostage Release Negotiations Shuttle Diplomacy Israel Hamas
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